Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Aviles
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming Mexican comedy has some language and drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Great Seduction
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE GREAT SEDUCTION, after industrialization ended economic activity and filled the inhabitants of the fishing island of Santa María del Mar with disappointment, things seem to be turning around with the opportunity for a fish packing company to settle in the town. The only requirement: convince a doctor to move there. So the inhabitants, led by German (Guillermo Vargas), plot a whole series of tricks to avoid letting go of a unique opportunity to save their home from ruin.
Is It Any Good?
Although The Great Seduction is a remake of a 2002 Canadian film, the truth is that the only thing they have in common is the plot. Mexican director Celso R. García presents a fresh and endearing comedy that is superior to the original.
The characters are likable, and although their initial actions are morally questionable, they reveal a social critique. Industrialization doesn't always offer progress, and the state often fails to deliver solutions. In this way, rural areas empty out in search of new opportunities. García uses music and cinematography to mark the cadence of the story; many of the actions are typical of everyday life but no less profound since the characters' motivation is to have a better life. And it is here where the characters shine: Guillermo Villegas as German, Pierre Louis as Dr. Mateo, and Yalitza Aparicio in the role of Ana stand out. They feel flesh and blood. They think they have the best ideas and make mistakes, which is the fuel for the humor, such as the American football game with helmets made of watermelon. The Great Seduction is a charming moral that doesn't feel like one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie shows the value of teamwork and integrity. Why are those important character strengths?
German and the other villagers demonstrate humility. Can you think of specific scenes from the film that show this?
How does the financial desperation of the characters convince them to do things they're uncomfortable doing?
How would you describe the movie's message? What's its take on lying as a means to an end? Do you agree? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 30, 2023
- Cast : Yalitza Aparicio , Pierre Louis , Guillermo Villegas
- Director : Celso R. García
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Pimienta Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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